Longest bike warran...
 

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[Closed] Longest bike warranty?

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I have the urge to buy myself a new bike - I've not bought new new for quite a few years now, having been dabbling in the second hand market and swapping frames and parts more often than I actually ride.

I've been looking at the YT Capra, and very nearly pressed the buy button this morning, but then I noticed that the warranty is only 3 years. Then I looked at the Radon that's been talked about a bit on here, and that's only 2 years. They both seem a bit short to me.

Does anyone know who does the longest warranty?


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 2:19 pm
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Giant & Specialized? Lifetime from memory.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 2:24 pm
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Nicolai has a lifetime (for original owner).....but you are going paying for it.
Turner are highly regarded for looking after their customers.....but again you will pay for it.
Specialized were renowned for going above and beyond their obligations but seem to have tightened up their processes recently.
Giant and Trek have always been very fair when I've dealt with them over the years.
Note..'Lifetime' is usually considered as the expected usable lifespan.....not the duration of your life 🙂


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 2:25 pm
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Norco have lifetime warranty too.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 2:26 pm
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Van Nicholas. Lifetime warranty, transferable to new owner.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 2:26 pm
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Merida have lifetime warranty including racing up to a rider weight of 120kg!


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 2:28 pm
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The turner burner would do me nicely, but you do indeed pay for it!

I hadn't even considered Merida - the Enduro 160 looks good value, although looks like it's not brought into the UK.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 2:36 pm
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Lifetime warranty can be a bit misleading because as above it refers to the expected lifetime of the frame material given fair use. For an alloy frame that's generally five years, for a carbon frame three (from memory).

As I've said before, what's of more importance than the fine print on the warranty is the relationship between customer and shop, shop and distributor, distributor and manufacturer. If there's a weak link in that chain you can find yourself in warranty hell.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:07 pm
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[quote=jimjam ]Lifetime warranty can be a bit misleading because as above it refers to the expected lifetime of the frame material given fair use. For an alloy frame that's generally five years, for a carbon frame three (from memory).

Van Nicholas will replace (not repair) any Titanium frame that fails due to manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the frame. Every bicycle has a limited life, the so-called useable life-cycle. The duration of the useable life-cycle of bicycles depends on the type of frame, the way in which and the circumstances under which the bicycle is ridden and the care/maintenance the bicycle receives. The lifetime guarantee period is established on the basis of the duration of the useable life cycle of the bicycle. [b]Van Nicholas sets the lifetime of their frames at an average of 25 years[/b].
😆


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:11 pm
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Nicolai is 5 years IIRC


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:14 pm
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Just point me towards Van Nicholas' 160mm carbon full sus please Scotroutes.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:15 pm
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liteville offer 5 year frame replacement plus 5 year half price on new frame that is transferable between owners. My only dealing with them so far has been to tell them that one of my logos fell off and a bit of paint had rubbed and they sent me a new logo and paint free of charge. Pretty good.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:16 pm
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Shame they don't cover dings though. The last 2 on the classifieds have both had downtube dents.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:17 pm
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jimjam - Member
Just point me towards Van Nicholas' 160mm Enduro Full sus please Scotroutes.
I'm simply pointing out that some manufacturers have more data in their products than others.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:18 pm
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Hob Nob - Member
Giant & Specialized? Lifetime from memory.

Specialized are lifetime, but only one year on "suspension attachments and suspension related equipment" - what an "attachment" is I dunno, but linkages and the liek could fall under that.

Trek deffo shorten the warranty on their chainstays - not surprising given how many of them break


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:21 pm
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kevin1911 - Member

I hadn't even considered Merida - the Enduro 160 looks good value, although looks like it's not brought into the UK.

Two friends have come back from UK trade shows recently complimenting the Merida 160, so that may be about to change


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:23 pm
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Trek deffo shorten the warranty on their chainstays - not surprising given how many

That must be hidden in the fine print. I had a quick look on their website earlier abs it said frames are under warranty for the life of the original owner.

Suspect JimJam is right about the scope for problems due to the chain between bike shop and manufacturer. In that sense, maybe direct buy does have some advantages.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:30 pm
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Kona - process 153 or 111 lifetime warranty, had capra on order and switched to 111 DL never regretted it. Fantastic bike, feels bulletproof


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:34 pm
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scotroutes

I'm simply pointing out that some manufacturers have more data in their products than others.

I think you were just trying to be a smart ass, engaging in typical STW one-upmansip. Pointing out that one manufacturer who only make boutique titanium road and XC bikes have an extended warranty when the OP is looking for a 160mm carbon full suss seems about as relevant as pointing out that Kia have a 7 year warranty to someone who's looking to buy a sports car.

It's alright though, none of us are above it. I wonder do Van Nic cover their hardtails for enduro racing.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:34 pm
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Trek
LIFETIME
Frames for the lifetime of the original owner (except forks, the Session, Scratch, Slash, and Ticket model frames, and the swing arms on all full suspension bicycles)
5 years
Swing arms on all full suspension bicycles (except the Session, Scratch, and Slash model frames)
3 years
Session (aluminium), Scratch, Slash and Ticket model frames and swing arms
2 years
Session (carbon) model frames and swing arms


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:40 pm
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Trek have improved that - was interested in a Remedy at one point, but the swingarm warranty went from lifetime to 1 or 2 years at a time when loads of them were breaking.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:46 pm
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Bird is lifetime - transferrable between owners. Yes if your frame snaps in ten years time and you've not put a bloody great dent in it we'll give you a new one.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:49 pm
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My Seven Sola also has a lifetime warranty.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:50 pm
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[quote=Roter Stern ]My Seven Sola also has a lifetime warranty.
ever taken it off any sweet jumps?


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:53 pm
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[i]ever taken it off any sweet jumps?[/i]

I've already had two new frames out of them under warranty!


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 4:55 pm
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That's a trek remedy off the list then!


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 5:19 pm
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Orbea have a lifetime frame warranty.

Ibis warranty is officially something like 2 or 3 years, but they'll frequently help you out beyond this period


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 5:53 pm
 duir
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Nicolai has a lifetime (for original owner).....but you are going paying for it.
It's 5 years, transferable and you don't pay for it, it's included. Or if you mean they are expensive check again, a hand made frame with shock comes in at around £1900 with their new direct sales.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 8:16 pm
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My mistake 😳
A frame is the same price as a complete YT or Radon (also made by humans),bargainous.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 8:21 pm
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Lots of Trek talk, met a chap Torridon way yesterday after a long walk back with his broken Trek 29er chain stay (carbon) he was not a happy chap even though he gets his bike for free!


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 8:26 pm
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Yikes. That will be Trek double crossed off. I think reading this forum has made me paranoid 🙂 Seem to be frames snapping everywhere.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 8:34 pm
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How tall are you? Mate has an ano orange Turner burner for sale, not had much use as far as I know, he's after a grand for the frame. XL though. Think the Turner warranty is transferable, they really do look after you in any case. Haven't heard any reports of dw turners breaking


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 8:53 pm
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I'm usually a Medium - so I'd need ladders to get onto that. And stilts to pedal it.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 9:43 pm
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Rorshach- spot on, Remedy has a five year swing warranty and lifetime on the main to original owner


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 9:50 pm
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Santa Cruz 5 years, always read the small print when it uses words like lifetime over a number.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 10:15 pm
 duir
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A frame is the same price as a complete YT or Radon (also made by humans),bargainous.
Technically made by humans who press the button to start the machine. Definitely bargainous (is that a real word) if you don't include the long periods of downtime while your snapped frame is being warranted or while you wait for your next bike because the cheap one you just bought is too small for a large.


 
Posted : 24/04/2015 11:08 pm
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If you are already looking at the Capra then the Orbea Rallon with a lifetime warranty and similar but better (IMHO) geometry is worth a look. I don't know how the UK pricing works, here it's a bit more expensive than the Capra but not sure how much in the UK.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 5:34 am
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Technically made by humans who press the button to start the machine.

Pretty much any half decent bike will have been hand welded.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 8:26 am
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Yeah I've been looking at the Rallon. Seem quite rare in the UK. Got a mail from cyclesurgery this morning saying they have 30Pc off orbea at the moment, but only the x30 is listed on the website. Going to do them a mail to ask if they can get the x10 or the xteam.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 10:56 am
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I´m about to go downstairs and weigh the new XTeam I have before I build it 🙂


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 11:09 am
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Did you get it as frame-only, or is it the standard build?


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 11:19 am
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Yeah I've been looking at the Rallon. Seem quite rare in the UK. Got a mail from cyclesurgery this morning saying they have 30Pc off orbea at the moment, but only the x30 is listed on the website. Going to do them a mail to ask if they can get the x10 or the xteam.

That x30 is cheap with 30% off.looks like they are just clearing old stock as they only appear to have a medium available.

I bought a frame only rallon back in december, went for the bos kirk shock version with the 142 x 12 rear end, its a great bike, very forgiving and confidence inspiring.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 12:55 pm
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Standard build for me. I will change the wheels and brakes for Mavic/XT but that is all.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 2:39 pm
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You can get the Merida 160 in the UK, they're on the 3rd model year now.

I've had one of the first 26" versions for two years now and have been rather happy with it, would quite happily replace it with the new 650b if I could find an excuse to and like said earlier, lifetime warranty that'll cover racing.

Fair few dealers in Scotland as well, know they have a demo 140 and 120, not sure about 160.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 4:26 pm
 Neb
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I think 4play cycles in cockermouth stock meridian so shops do sell meridian in the uk.

I recently bought a Rose bike, one of the factors was a 10yr warranty, with anything outside of warranty in first 5 years, covered under a 50% off crash replacement scheme. This seemed way better than other brands.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 4:43 pm
 duir
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Pretty much any half decent bike will have been hand welded.
Agreed, except carbon.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 7:17 pm
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some manufacturers have more data in their products than others
Saying ti frames has an average lifespan of 25 years is funny when the brand is only 9 years old : ) It was another name before it was Van Nic (or something like that) but even so, they weren't around 25 years ago. It's good marketing, simply extending goodwill. Some brands will give a 2-3 year warranty but still look after you on a case-by-case basis, some have lifetime but will wriggle out on any minor detail. It's more about how direct the contact can be between you and the guys who can make the calls on any issues.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 7:42 pm
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Airborne...before Van Nicholas


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 8:47 pm
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I wouldn't get so worried about warranty periods...check your bike purchase history and then get a warranty that covers that...2 years is probably fine...unless you plan on keeping it longer. Every company will have failures, the bigger/popular the brand, the more failures you will hear about.


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 8:49 pm
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Unless it is Litespeed or Tomac (actually most of the abg).Not that big,not that popular....LOTS of failures 🙂


 
Posted : 25/04/2015 8:55 pm
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Turner Burner rider here after several 5 spots, Turner have been very good to deal with.

From their site.....

Turner Warranty Info
Information regarding Turner Bikes warranty policy.
2-year frame warranty ::.

Turner will repair or replace any Turner frame, Only if we determine it to be defective due to materials and /or workmanship. This 2 year warranty applies to the frameset Only (not including suspension components), ridden under normal conditions, properly maintained and is transferable to subsequent owners with original sales receipt.

Turner Bikes will make replacement parts available at a minimum charge in the event of a crash or other non- warranty situation. This replacement policy is good for all frames including those who have purchased their frames new or used.

If your Turner frame is out of warranty then you still have another option with trading in your old frame for a credit towards a new one. Check here for more info on the Turner-4-Turner Program


 
Posted : 26/04/2015 8:54 am
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Side track but ncb i had your old orange/polished 5spot out here for a new drive train and fork service the other day.

My mates loving that bike, spoilt git as its his first full suss , you sold that to him for a song for the specification.


 
Posted : 26/04/2015 9:06 am
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Glad to hear he likes the bike, think he got a fair deal but i was happy to sell it complete.
I had another spot after that one then the Burner. Love how they ride 😀
You guys up in Aberdeenshire?


 
Posted : 26/04/2015 10:49 am
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Don't think I saw anybody mention Cannondale's lifetime warranty. A friend of mine had a cracked frame which they sorted out without any problems at all.


 
Posted : 27/04/2015 8:48 am
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Hold - Trek is lifetime?

What happens if I break my Y3? Do they have any frames left?

Would I be able to fit the RS Indy's to it?

I wonder if they have any decals left, mine needs a tart up.


 
Posted : 27/04/2015 4:11 pm
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I warranty all the frames I build for life.

In other words, if you break one of my beautiful creations, I'll kill you. 😀


 
Posted : 27/04/2015 4:26 pm
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Bird Cycleworks. Lifetime on frames. Two years on components! Amazing choice of parts and really nice people!


 
Posted : 27/04/2015 4:34 pm
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There's something about having the word 'Bird' written on my bike that I'd find a bit...uncomfortable. In central Scottish dialect, the word 'bird' is a condescending term for someone who shows too many feminine qualities.


 
Posted : 28/04/2015 5:13 pm
 duir
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It would be interesting to see what would happen with the new wheel standard. ie 26" frame bought 3 years ago snaps, warranty accepted but do you get a 27.clown wheel back? That could be a sore point as it will leave you needing new forks and wheels and that would be a seriously expensive warranty claim.


 
Posted : 28/04/2015 6:44 pm
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some company's go above and beyond ,merida gave one of my mates a complete bike and the old one was out of warranty ,cannondale have been great as well,do think it helps if your retailer gets on well with them and trust's the lbs's opinion.


 
Posted : 29/04/2015 11:16 pm